Rare marbles

Marbles have been around for a significant amount of time and many cultures have adapted the game. This pastime has seen many play to win their opponents’ prized marble possession, both forging and breaking many friendships.

As marbles have been around for many years, expert players over numerous centuries have sought to acquire some rare pieces.

How to Spot Rare Marbles from the Bunch

The art of spotting rare marbles is honed through extensive research and by liaising with other expert collectors to know what to look for in identifying such rare specimen. There are books on spotting or identifying rare marbles, which can help, but the joy is being able to spot a rare marble by yourself.

When identifying rare marbles, the experts advise to look at colour, size and the material of the marble in order to identify rare marbles.

Identifying Marks on Rare Marbles

• As glass marbles are crafted by hand by ‘glass blowers’, there is what is called ‘pontil’, which is a distinguishing mark to look for. A pontil is a tiny knot on the side of the marble that remains after the glass blower cuts the tail from the marble.
• Handmade marbles are made from the same cane or marble that is identified as a ‘twin’ or ‘pair’. The sizes of these are thought to be uncommon and very rare, as the craft is so old.
• Acquiring rare marbles that are still in the same box or bag it was first packaged.
• Bright colours are characteristic of rare marbles, as the brighter the colour, the rarer they are. A “muddy colour” marble does not fetch a high price, as well as certain damages on the marble.

Types of Rare Marbles

• Bennington marbles are clay marbles that have been hand fired in a kiln, which are later dyed.
• China Marbles are very beautiful. They are made from white clay, fired for hardness and then hand painted.
• Wooden marbles, stone marbles and even agate marbles are also types of marbles that fit into the possible rare marble category.
• Marbles with figurines in the centre create excitement if found, as due to their uniqueness are also a collectible.

Rare marbles have unique features and although some flaws are considered rare, these marbles are toys. Identifying flaws and features are what make the character of these rare marbles!